5 Summer Road Trips from NYC

Summer is just around the corner and road trips are on many people’s “To-do List.” Luckily, NYC is close to so many fantastic places that are just a short drive away. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to decide where to go!

This list of day trips or weekend getaways will help get your vacation juices flowing and plan for lots of summer fun. This list will include places to relax, be adventurous, get pampered, and even a few places to party and get wild.

New Paltz, New York

This historic town has so much more to offer than just a history lesson of the Hughenots. Even though some of the oldest buildings in the country still stand in New Paltz, this town does have some modern attractions as well, and there are so many fun activities to choose from! If you’re looking for a more fitness-inspired getaway–you can go rock climbing at the Gunks. But if you’re looking for more of a foodie adventure, there are so many swanky eateries in town for you to check out.

Either way, when you are ready to settle down for the night, why not splurge on a night at the Mohonk Mountain House. This castle-like resort has an award winning spa, a farm-to- table restaurant, and lots of outdoor activities like paddle boarding, hiking, or kayaking for you to enjoy. This resort, founded in 1869, also offers concerts and events year-round to add to the festivities.

To get to New Paltz from NYC, drive 1 hour and 30 minutes south on the 87. If you don’t want to drive, take the available route on the Adirondack Trails bus lines.

In the Berkshires, you can visit Ramblewild, a tree-to-tree adventure park, where you can you can act like a kid again for the day. The aerial obstacle course includes zip lines, rope ladders, nets, high wires, balancing logs, and suspension bridges over water. Ramblewild definitely offers a full day of fun!

If you’ve always wanted a treehouse when you were little, you will love the Octagonal Tree House for rent about an hour away in Otis, MA. With floor-to-ceiling windows in a private setting, it comes with a wood burning fireplace, a fully stocked kitchen, and a deck with a view.

To get here from NYC, it’s a 3 hour drive north. You can also take the Peter Pan bus that drives along the Berkshires, stopping in different towns.

Phoenicia, New York

Also known as the Catskills, this area is known for amazing fly fishing. The brook trout in the flowing waters are delicious when you catch them fresh and throw them on the grill.

If fishing is too slow for you, you can tube down the rapid creek by renting all the necessities right next to the perfect place to camp, Black Bear Campground. You can also go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or swimming.

Graham & Co. Hotel is a hip and trendy hotel in Phoenicia for those who would prefer would to stay in a place with less bugs and more running water. They also have hammocks, a swimming pool, and bikes to ride around in when you so desire.

Phoenicia is 2 and a half hours from NYC. Just a quick zip and a zoom and you’re there!

Hudson, New York

Although Hudson is known for its beautiful fall foliage, it also has plenty to offer during the summer time. You can walk the scenic waterfront and shop the antique stores. There is also a cute little lighthouse where you can take a boat tour. They even have 18 art galleries to peruse.

If you’re looking to really get away from it all, the Kinderhook Farm is a 1200 acre farm where you can stay and participate in the daily farming activities. You can help fetch the farm fresh eggs, feed the chickens or donkeys, tend to the cows or just nap in a hammock.

There are also little swimming holes for you to discover and fishing ponds for you to enjoy. You can use the relaxing scenery to be the muse of your painting, photography, or writing. They have cozy barns with all the amenities for you to stay in and get this….no internet or TV! This farm is only 15 minutes from Hudson and so worth the visit.

The town of Hudson is just 2 and a half hours away from NYC by car or a quick Amtrak trip.

Have a Great Summer!

These four choices will make for a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone deserves to get a little fresh air – and you don’t have to go far to find peace and serenity, or even a little adventure, in the great outdoors.

While New York City offers so much culture, entertainment, and food, it’s also close enough to so many little gems of towns that can help you enjoy a quick day trip or weekend getaway.